In the past five years, you must have heard ConnectPOS and Hike’s names when mentioning which POS system suits SMEs. With standard omnichannel features and easy-to-use workflows, these cloud solutions gain the trust of thousands of retailers.
In this article, join us in understanding more about how these apps work and which is the right choice for your aspiring business.
I. The 101 guide to ConnectPOS and Hike POS software
First, let’s introduce you to these two outstanding POS providers.
ConnectPOS started out focusing on the Magento POS system. However, after a decade of supporting retailers of all sizes, it has become an omnichannel solution compatible with multiple eCommerce platforms. This award-winning software creates a seamless journey between online and offline stores, from common names like Shopify and WooCommerce to modern models like Commercetools headless eCommerce.
With two central systems within its solution: a POS app and an inventory management system, ConnectPOS is the power behind the omnichannel success of 10,000+ users, including giant corporations such as ASUS, SCG, and Yeti Cycles.
Sharing the same ten years of experience as ConnectPOS, Hike is an esteemed Australia-based POS system working with Dyson and Mercedes-Benz. With its motto: “modern, user-friendly and flexible,” Hike continues transforming how thousands of businesses manage multiple sales channels.
II. What makes ConnectPOS and Hike the beloved apps
In order to gain the love of the majority, ConnectPOS and Hike POS systems have essential features that ensure a standard retail omnichannel process.
With support for common retail industries such as fashion, furniture, food & beverages, and sports & outdoors, both apps can boost your business’ productivity. ConnectPOS even goes further by facilitating niche areas such as firearms and CBD.
In addition, ConnectPOS and Hike work with companies of all sizes, whether new-born businesses or long-standing enterprises. Thus, they share a handful of similarities in their functions.
An omnichannel frictionless operation
Hike’s selling screen
Someone can harshly argue that a POS that cannot connect data across touchpoints is a useless investment. This is not the case for ConnectPOS and Hike, as both promise a smooth link between your web store and brick-and-mortar location. Essential data, such as orders, products, and customers, are synced simultaneously between the POS software and eCommerce backend to ensure transparent and correct numbers.
Furthermore, ConnectPOS and Hike understand the demand for selling from anywhere. Therefore, they have developed their apps to be compatible with multiple devices with major operating systems like iOS, Windows, and Android. Yet, Hike’s connection with the latter two is slightly limited.
For instance, you can download the ConnectPOS native app to your tablets and let customers purchase immediately without waiting in a long queue.
Omnichannel features
An efficient POS must be designed with several must-have workflows to maintain a seamless journey. Both systems offer these outstanding features:
- Offline selling: Complete transactions without the Internet
- Custom sales and parked sales
- Order notes
- Gift cards
- Loyalty rewards
- Shift reports
- Sales reports
- Unlimited products
- Stock-takes
- Order history
- Return and refund
- Customer profiles
- Multiple outlets management in a single interface
- Accept various payment methods
- Compatible with popular POS hardware
Integrations
ConnectPOS and Hike are open to third-party systems to function frictionlessly with their apps. The typical add-on you can find is accounting systems (Quickbooks and Xero).
Hike’s list of integrations
Customer support
Putting customers at the center, both providers offer 24/7 free support via multiple channels: Phones, emails, and live chat. You can access their tutorials through a video playlist, knowledge base, or face-to-face training.
Customer’s feedback on ConnectPOS
III. ConnectPOS vs. Hike: The differences
With the resemblances mentioned above, ConnectPOS and Hike seem like twins. Nevertheless, they still possess unique characteristics that make retailers decide which suits them.
Advanced features
Regarding modern and user-friendly functions, retailers are leaning toward ConnectPOS as it has the following:
- Reward points and store credits
- Click and Collect
- Group pricing
- Tax management
- Quotes Management
- Order fulfillment
- Customer facing display
- Self-checkout POS
- Custom receipt
Design your receipt in ConnectPOS
Personalization
ConnectPOS and Hike provide customers with full customization abilities within their apps. Yet, when expanding its system to fit retailers’ specific needs, ConnectPOS has an advantage over Hike.
ConnectPOS is already compatible with 50+ third-party systems (CRM, ERP, delivery services) and 20+ global payment gateways within its app, such as Stripe, iZettle, or Authorize.net. Moreover, it gets high praise from past retailers thanks to its immense personalization capabilities. If you need to alter particular features, their team will evaluate and come up with a suitable suggestion tailored to your needs.
ConnectPOS can connect with 50+ integrations
In the case of Hike, you can enjoy a smooth integration with marketing tools like Mailchimp.
Pricing plans
Both apps use subscription models to charge for their services, with extra fees for customization. You can request a free trial to experience the app before purchasing one. However, Hike’s price is $20 higher than ConnectPOS, as it starts at $59/month/register.
Hike’s pricing plan
In a nutshell,
ConnectPOS and Hike have distinctive traits despite being considered similar omnichannel solutions for SMEs. Everyone agrees that both are great options for small businesses wanting to go omnichannel. However, ConnectPOS has an edge over other companies for scaling up as the business grows.
With the experience of powering 10,000+ users, ConnectPOS is ready to create a practical and effective plan for your omnichannel performance. If you are still questioning your decision on which app to install, contact ConnectPOS today so we can help you with an answer!
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